Closed: Eastbourne Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) policy consultation
From Friday 7 August to Friday 27 September 2024, we consulted over new planning approaches to address concerns around Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Eastbourne.
Latest update: We are currently analysing responses to the consultation and are considering amendments in light of comments received. We anticipate that a Proposed Submission version of the HMO Development Plan Document (DPD) will be subject to a further round of consultation in February 2025. Following this, we will submit the HMO DPD for examination in summer 2025.
HMOs form an important part of the housing mix in Eastbourne. They do however have the potential to cause adverse impacts for residents and communities, particularly when in concentration.
We invited comments on a new HMO Development Plan Document (HMO DPD). This will provide updated planning policy requirements for proposals involving new or converted HMOs to mitigate negative impacts and improve the standard of accommodation for occupants.
At the same time, we also invited comments on the introduction of an Article 4 Direction that will remove permitted development right for small HMOs across Devonshire, Meads, Upperton and parts of St Anthonys. This would mean that all new HMOs across this area will be required to apply for planning permission.
We asked for feedback on the issues and proposed policies so we can refine these before the HMO DPD is submitted to government for examination and considered ahead of the council deciding whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction.
Consultation
The first round of consultation took place from Friday 2 August to Friday 27 September 2024.
We invited comments via our online consultation portal.
We also invited comments in writing to LocalPlan@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk or write to us at: Planning Policy, Eastbourne Borough Council, Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UH
Paper copies of the HMO DPD and Article 4 Direction Notice were available to view at the Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UH
Drop-in consultation events
We held a number of drop-in events to provide an opportunity to find out more about the HMO DPD and Article 4 Direction and speak with officers.
Three drop-in sessions were held at Eastbourne Town Hall:
- Wednesday 11 September 11am-2pm
- Monday 16 September 2pm-5pm
- Tuesday 24 September 5pm-8pm
We also held a drop-in event at Leaf Hall in Seaside, held on:
- Wednesday 18 September 3pm-7pm
More information
If you have any queries about this consultation, please contact the Planning Policy Team by emailing at LocalPlan@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Supplementary Documents
EBC HMO Article 4 Direction 29.07.24 (PDF, 4 MB)
HMO Article 4 Direction FAQ (PDF, 133 KB)
Proposed Article 4 Direction Boundary (PDF, 6 MB)
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